What is the building envelope?
The Building Envelope is made up of the components that separate heated space from unheated space, in a house. Therefore, in most houses [unless with flat roofs, cathedral ceilings or sloped portions of “1/2” Storey structures], the Roof IS NOT part of the Building Envelope. It acts only as an umbrella to deflect the elements away from the top of the structure. This is a fact that very few trade and general contractors understand, let alone the general public. If attic spaces were built, air-sealed, insulated and ventilated to easily attainable standards, meeting or exceeding the minimum requirements of the Building Code, homeowners would not end up with damaged interiors and unhealthy air – caused by mildew, fungus, moulds, etc. The majority of homes in southern Ontario, whether new or older, do not meet these minimum requirements. Why? It is easier to put the emphasis on appearance of the finished product – brick, entrance, kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping – than to prepare an attic
The building envelope includes everything that separates the interior of a building from the outdoor environment, including the windows, walls, foundation, ceiling, roof, and insulation. A better building envelope will help make your building a healthy, safe, durable, comfortable, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly place to be.
